Every NFL team would love to win the Super Bowl, and even those who have already won, still desire to win again. As an owner, Jerry Jones has experienced his Dallas Cowboys win three Super Bowls, but the last time was in 1996.
Knowing the thrill of holding up the Lombardi Trophy and winning the NFL’s biggest prize, Jones is hoping his team's young stars (Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott) will bring the Cowboys back to Super Bowl contention.
In fact, this 75-year old owner (worth billions of dollars) is so ready to win again that he recently told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, "It would be embarrassing, it would be shocking if you knew the size of the check I would write if it guaranteed me a Super Bowl. It would be obscene. There is nothing I would do financially not to get a Super Bowl."
Jones is obviously willing to pay any price to get another ring and give up whatever it takes to have what he really wants.
As Jones speaks in the context of winning a significant prize in football, I am reminded of a much greater prize Jesus tells us about in His parables found in Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV).
This is how He describes the remarkable value of God’s kingdom:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
These are wonderful reminders that when we know God and experience the kingdom of heaven through Jesus’ grace and redemption, it’s worth giving up everything else in order to have Him.
Jesus is our prize and the value and joy that comes from being in the kingdom of heaven are better than anything else. All that really matters is to know Him, follow Him, and be with Him...whatever the cost.
Today, let’s ask ourselves how much we value God and the kingdom of heaven.
Do we treasure Him and place nothing above Him in importance?
Are we willing to sacrifice and surrender to have Him?
Do we have a willingness similar to Jerry Jones and his passion for another Super Bowl ring?
Would it be “shocking” and “obscene” for people to know what we’d be willing to part with in obedience to God?
God’s probably not going to ask us for a billion dollars, but He does want our heart and devotion. Today, let's make sure we aren't holding onto anything that we need to let go of...so we can truly experience the fullness of joy and peace found in Him.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to have more of a perspective like the man and merchant who were willing to give up everything. I pray You'd help me not hold back from fully embracing all that You are and all that You’ve made available to me through Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.
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